Other Illinois governors in legal trouble since 1901

William Stratton, Republican governor from 1953 to 1961, was acquitted in 1965 of income tax evasion charges stemming from the way he spent some of his campaign cash.

Otto Kerner, Democratic governor from 1961 to 1968, was convicted of bribery, conspiracy, income tax evasion and perjury in 1973 for taking bribes in the form of racetrack stock in 1966. He served one year of a three-year sentence.

Dan Walker, Democratic governor from 1973 to 1977, was convicted in 1987 of bank fraud related to his failed savings and loan after he left office. He served 18 months of a seven-year sentence.

George Ryan, Republican governor from 1999 to 2003, was convicted in 2006 on 18 felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, tax and mail fraud and lying to the FBI for taking illegal cash payments while secretary of state and governor. He is in prison serving a 6 1/2-year sentence.

Rod Blagojevich, Democratic governor from 2003 to 2009, awaits a second jury verdict on corruption charges, including attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat. In his first trial last year, he was convicted of lying to federal agents, but the jury deadlocked on the other counts.